One of the largest health care operators in the region is growing again.

Ochsner Health System announced on Tuesday that it would acquire River Parishes Hospital of LaPlace in a deal expected to be completed by Nov. 1.

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Officials said following the acquisition, the hospital will discontinue inpatient services and focus instead on outpatient services.

Ochsner intends to use its partnerships with neighboring facilities in St. Charles and St. James Parishes for local surgical needs and inpatient care.

The agreement further expands the reach of the non-profit Ochsner organization, which operates numerous hospitals and health care facilities in southeastern Louisiana.

In a statement, River Parishes Hospital CEO Alan Daugherty said the move will help the St. John Parish facility survive.

"River Parishes has experienced many challenges in the changing healthcare environment, including reductions in reimbursement and significant declines in patient utilization," he said. "We are pleased that, as part of Ochsner, River Parishes will continue to provide the most essential services -- emergency, outpatient diagnostic and primary care services -- allowing patients to continue to receive the care they need close to home."

The change in management from current operator LifePoint Hospitals is likely to affect dozens of employees, but officials with Ochsner said they were working to minimize the impact on staff and patients alike.

Ochsner currently runs 10 hospitals and more than 40 healthcare centers, all in Louisiana, and employs more than 15,000 people.